Labor risks and demands in the process of chili harvest in Chihuahua agricultural region

Introduction
Agriculture in Mexico is a productive activity that allows the sustenance of 5.9 millions of workers and occupies a surface of 29.9 millions of hectares, of which 5.3 are irrigation ones and the rest are rainfed (INEGI). Agricultural work is generally performed by the population in biggest socioeconomical disadvantageand with minimal technological resources. Therefore, such activity implies labor conditions that are harmful to their health. The objective of this research was to determine and characterize the labor risks and demands of workers in the process of chili (Capsicum annuum) harvest in the central south region of Chihuahua.

Methods
Observational and descriptive study. A survey was applied collecting sociodemographical, labor and occupational health information, through routes to the work zones during the harvesting process, also taking glucose measurements from blood and in situ arterial pressure measurements.

Results
Work process reconstruction allowed to identify conditions and risks such as: physical risks (exposure to higher than 39°C temperatures in work days of at least 5 hours), relative humidity higher than 80%, biological risks from exposition to insanitary conditions through the lack of bathrooms and poor personal hygiene practices; mechanical risks (bruises, lesions in hands and feet). Physiological demands, through repetitive work, forced postures, dynamic and static efforts, lifting and carrying of loads up to 60 kg.

Discussion
The work conditions of the collectors involve risks and demands that severely damage their health. The worker employer relationship is highly inequitable since workers in addition to receiving a paltry pay, lack social security and basic safety and hygiene conditions that they have the right to in accordance to the Federal Law of Labor.